Parliament, Tuesday, 6 August 2024 â€“ Parliament is conducting a two-day induction workshop for the newly elected chairpersons of parliamentary oversight committees. This induction marks the first of its kind for the chairpersons since their election a few weeks ago to lead the committees in the new term of Parliament. The workshop will cover several critical topics that are essential to the effective functioning of parliamentary committees.

The strategic orientation of committees will be discussed under the draft macro strategic framework of the 7th Parliament. This framework is crucial in guiding the committees' work towards achieving Parliament's overarching goals.

An in-depth exploration of the law-making processes, oversight, and public participation in committees and the National Assembly will be a cornerstone of the workshop. These elements are fundamental to the democratic process, as they ensure that laws are crafted with thorough scrutiny and that the public has a voice in legislative affairs. Chairpersons will be equipped with knowledge and tools to facilitate robust legislative processes, enhance oversight functions, and foster meaningful public engagement.

Addressing the legacy matters of the 6th Parliament as they pertain to committees will also form part of the workshop. This segment will help chairpersons understand the unfinished business and ongoing issues inherited from the previous term.

Considering the work of the 6th Parliament ensures the programmes of the new committees are well-informed, forward-looking and build on the work done previously.

Effective oversight requires collaboration with institutions supporting democracy, including the Auditor-General. This workshop will highlight the importance of these partnerships, particularly in the context of annual performance and financial audits. Chairpersons will be briefed on trends and focus areas identified by the Auditor-General, enabling them to address these in their oversight activities.

The induction workshop is a critical step in empowering the new chairpersons with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead their committees effectively. The topics covered will provide a comprehensive understanding of the strategic framework, legislative processes, legacy issues, and the importance of collaboration with key institutions. Through this induction, Parliament aims to strengthen the committees' role in advancing democracy, transparency, and good governance.

Details of the induction are as follows:

Date: Tomorrow (Wednesday), 7 August to Thursday, 8 August 2024
Time: 08:30 until 17:30 on both days
Venue: The Capital Empire Hotel, Sandton, Gauteng

Please note that members of the media will only be allowed a photo opportunity as well as attendance of the Speaker and the House Chairperson’s remarks in the morning session. The other sessions will be closed.

Members of the media who wish to attend the open session of the induction workshop should send their details (Full name, name of the media house, and ID or passport number) to Masego Dlula at mdlula@parliament.gov.za.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 

Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo